John 15:20

KJV

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

KJV (with Strong's)

Remember {G3421} the word {G3056} that {G3739} I {G1473} said {G2036} unto you {G5213}, The servant {G1401} is {G2076} not {G3756} greater than {G3187} his {G846} lord {G2962}. If {G1487} they have persecuted {G1377} me {G1691}, they will {G1377} also {G2532} persecute {G1377} you {G5209}; if {G1487} they have kept {G5083} my {G3450} saying {G3056}, they will keep {G5083} yours {G5212} also {G2532}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Remember what I told you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too; if they kept my word, they will keep yours too.

Berean Standard Bible

Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.

American Standard Version

Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 15:20 is a pivotal warning and reassurance from Jesus to His disciples, delivered during His Farewell Discourse. He reminds them of a fundamental truth: a servant cannot expect to be treated better than their master. This principle directly applies to their future experiences, predicting that just as the world persecuted Jesus, it will also persecute His followers. Conversely, if some accepted and obeyed His teachings, they would similarly receive the disciples' message. This verse prepares the disciples for the inevitable opposition they will face while also offering comfort in the shared experience of Christ, establishing the pattern of discipleship through suffering and faithful witness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' Farewell Discourse in [John 13-17](/john/13-17 "John's Farewell Discourse"), a deeply intimate and instructional conversation with His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion. Specifically, it follows Jesus' profound teaching on the vine and the branches in [John 15:1-17](/john/15-1-17 "John 15:1-17 - The Vine and the Branches"), which emphasizes the necessity of abiding in Him for spiritual fruitfulness. The preceding verses, particularly [John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "John 15:18-19 - The World's Hatred"), explicitly state that the world will hate the disciples because it first hated Jesus, setting the immediate stage for the explanation in [John 15:20](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - Servant and Lord"). This verse serves as a logical extension and explanation of *why* the world will hate them, rooting it in the master-servant relationship. It then transitions into further warnings about the Spirit's witness and the world's sin in [John 15:26-27](/john/15-26-27 "John 15:26-27 - The Spirit's Witness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, the relationship between a master (κύριος, _kýrios_) and a servant or slave (δοῦλος, _doûlos_) was well-understood. A servant's status, treatment, and expectations were entirely dependent on their master. Servants were generally not afforded greater respect or privilege than their master; indeed, their identity was often subsumed by that of their master. This societal norm provides the cultural backdrop for Jesus' analogy. Furthermore, the Jewish religious establishment and Roman authorities had already demonstrated hostility towards Jesus, culminating in His impending arrest and crucifixion. The disciples, being Galileans and followers of a controversial teacher, would have been aware of the social and political dangers inherent in their association with Jesus. Jesus' words prepare them for a future where their allegiance to Him would invite similar opposition from the dominant cultural and religious powers.
* **Key Themes:** John 15:20 powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout Jesus' teaching and the broader New Testament. The theme of **Discipleship and Identification with Christ** is central, as Jesus underscores that following Him means sharing in His experience, both in His mission and in the world's reaction to Him. This leads directly to the theme of **Anticipated Persecution**, a recurring motif in the Gospels and Acts, where Jesus consistently warns His followers that they will face opposition for His name's sake, as seen in [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated by All"). The verse also highlights the **Sovereignty of God** in His plan, as the world's response, though hostile, is not unexpected but rather part of a divine pattern. Finally, there's the theme of **Faithful Witness**, where the disciples' suffering becomes a testimony to their allegiance to Christ, and their message, like Jesus' own, will elicit a divided response of either rejection or acceptance, mirroring the reception of Jesus' own "word" (λόγος, _lógos_) as described in [John 1:11-12](/john/1-11-12 "John 1:11-12 - He Came to His Own").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From δέω (deō), meaning "to bind," this term refers to a slave, whether literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary. In this context, it signifies a profound subjection or subserviency to a master. Jesus uses it to describe the disciples' relationship to Him, emphasizing their complete allegiance and the expectation that their experience will be defined by His.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** Derived from a root implying supremacy, this word denotes one who is supreme in authority, a controller, or master. It is a respectful title acknowledging ownership and ultimate authority. Here, it refers to Jesus Himself, establishing His absolute authority over His disciples and setting the standard for their experience.
* **Persecuted (Greek, _diṓkō'_):** A prolonged form of a primary verb meaning "to flee," this word signifies to pursue (literally or figuratively), often with hostile intent, and by implication, to persecute. It describes the active, aggressive opposition and harassment that Jesus faced and that His followers can expect to endure.
* **Kept (Greek, _tēréō'_):** This term means to guard (from loss or injury, typically by keeping the eye upon), to note (a prophecy), to fulfill (a command), or to observe/obey. In the context of "keeping my saying," it denotes active acceptance, adherence, and preservation of Jesus' teachings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remember the word that I said unto you":** Jesus issues a direct command to recall a previous teaching, indicating its foundational importance. This specific "word" (λόγος, _lógos_) is a principle He has likely taught before, perhaps in a more general sense, now applied to their specific future. It underscores the reliability and consistency of His prophetic warnings.
* **"The servant is not greater than his lord":** This is the core principle Jesus invokes, a common proverb or saying of the time. It establishes a hierarchical truth: the one in submission cannot expect a higher status or easier path than the one they serve. By applying this to Himself as "Lord" and His disciples as "servants," Jesus sets the expectation for their shared experience.
* **"If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you":** This clause presents the first, and more challenging, implication of the servant-lord principle. It serves as a direct prophecy and warning. Just as the world (referring to those who rejected Jesus) actively pursued and harassed Him, it will extend the same hostility to His followers. This persecution is a sign of identification with Christ, not a failure of discipleship.
* **"if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also":** This contrasting clause offers a glimmer of hope and balance. While persecution is certain, Jesus acknowledges that not everyone rejected Him. Some "kept" (obeyed/heeded) His "saying" (λόγος, _lógos_). Therefore, the disciples can also expect that some will accept and obey their message, which is fundamentally Jesus' message. This highlights the dual nature of gospel reception: both rejection and acceptance.

#### Literary Devices
John 15:20 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Analogy**, where Jesus draws a direct comparison between the master-servant relationship and His relationship with His disciples. This common, relatable societal structure serves as a powerful framework for understanding the expected treatment of His followers. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically antithetical parallelism, by presenting two contrasting "if... then" statements: one concerning persecution and the other concerning acceptance. This structure effectively highlights the binary nature of the world's response to Jesus and, by extension, to His disciples. Furthermore, there is an element of **Prophecy**, as Jesus foretells the future experiences of His disciples, providing both a warning and a form of preparation. The use of the term "word" (λόγος, _lógos_) in "Remember the word that I said unto you" and "kept my saying" also carries deep **Theological Significance**, referring not just to spoken words but to the entire body of Jesus' teaching and divine revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 15:20 profoundly shapes Christian understanding of suffering and mission. It establishes that persecution for Christ's sake is not an anomaly but an expected mark of authentic discipleship, a participation in the suffering of the Master. This shared experience creates a deep solidarity between Christ and His followers, transforming what might seem like failure into a powerful testimony to their allegiance. The verse also underscores the unchanging nature of the world's response to divine truth: it will either reject it violently or embrace it obediently. This dual reception validates the disciples' future ministry, assuring them that while opposition is inevitable, their message will also find fertile ground in receptive hearts, just as Jesus' own words did.

* [Matthew 10:24-25](/matthew/10-24-25 "Matthew 10:24-25 - Disciple Like Master")
* [Luke 6:40](/luke/6-40 "Luke 6:40 - Disciple and Teacher")
* [1 Peter 4:12-16](/1_peter/4-12-16 "1 Peter 4:12-16 - Suffering for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' words in John 15:20 serve as a timeless anchor for believers navigating a world often hostile to the gospel. This passage calls us to recalibrate our expectations, understanding that following Christ does not guarantee an easy path, but rather a shared journey that includes suffering and rejection. When we face criticism, ridicule, or opposition for our faith, this verse reminds us that we are not alone; we are walking in the footsteps of our Lord. This should not lead to despair, but to a deeper sense of solidarity with Christ and a renewed commitment to faithfulness. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are we so identified with Christ that the world's reaction to us mirrors its reaction to Him? It also provides comfort, knowing that even in the face of widespread rejection, there will always be those whose hearts are open to the truth, who will "keep" our sayings because they are truly His. This truth compels us to endure, to speak boldly, and to trust that God is at work, even amidst hostility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' statement, "The servant is not greater than his lord," reshape your expectations about the Christian life?**
* **In what ways have you experienced "persecution" or opposition for your faith, and how does this verse help you understand those experiences?**
* **What does it mean practically to "keep" Jesus' sayings in your daily life, and how does this relate to others "keeping" your sayings as a witness to Him?**
* **How can the promise of shared suffering with Christ strengthen your resolve and bring you comfort?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus say, "Remember the word that I said unto you"?**

Answer: Jesus uses this phrase to emphasize the importance and prior teaching of the principle that "the servant is not greater than his lord." By prompting their memory, He underscores that this is not a new, isolated truth, but a foundational concept that has always governed the relationship between a master and his followers. It reinforces the consistency of His teaching and prepares them to see its direct application to their future experiences of persecution and acceptance. This command to remember highlights the weight and certainty of the prophecy that follows.

**Does "persecute" only mean physical harm, or something more?**

Answer: While "persecute" (Greek, _diṓkō_) can certainly include physical harm and violent pursuit, its meaning is broader. It encompasses any form of hostile pursuit, harassment, or opposition aimed at causing distress or hindering someone. This can manifest as verbal abuse, social ostracism, slander, legal challenges, discrimination, and even the threat of violence. Jesus Himself experienced a spectrum of opposition, from verbal attacks and false accusations to attempts on His life, as seen in [John 8:59](/john/8-59 "John 8:59 - Attempt to Stone Jesus"). Therefore, His warning to the disciples covers a wide range of adversarial actions they would face for their allegiance to Him.

**What does it mean for people to "keep my saying" or "keep yours also"?**

Answer: To "keep" (Greek, _tēréō_) a saying or word means much more than simply hearing it; it implies guarding, observing, obeying, and preserving it. It signifies active acceptance and adherence to the teaching. When Jesus says, "if they have kept my saying," He refers to those who genuinely believed and followed His teachings during His earthly ministry. Similarly, "they will keep yours also" means that some people will genuinely receive, believe, and obey the message preached by the disciples, because that message is fundamentally Christ's own. This demonstrates that the gospel will always elicit a dual response: rejection from some, and faithful adherence from others, as noted in [Acts 2:41](/acts/2-41 "Acts 2:41 - Those Who Accepted the Word").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 15:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the ongoing mission of the church, which is inextricably linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the perfect "Lord" (κύριος, _kýrios_), fully embraced the path of suffering and rejection, culminating in His crucifixion, as prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected"). His disciples, by virtue of their union with Him, are called to participate in this same pattern. The persecution they would face was not merely a consequence of their actions, but a direct extension of the world's hatred for Christ Himself, making their suffering a profound identification with their Master. This truth is powerfully articulated in the New Testament, where apostles like Paul joyfully embraced suffering for Christ's sake, viewing it as a privilege to share in His afflictions ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in His Sufferings")). Furthermore, the "keeping" of the disciples' "saying" points to the Spirit's work in drawing people to Christ through the gospel message. Just as some believed Jesus' words, the Holy Spirit would enable others to believe the apostolic witness, leading to the formation of the church, the very body of Christ ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ the Head of the Church")). Thus, John 15:20 is a prophetic blueprint for the church's mission, revealing that both its suffering and its success are deeply rooted in its unbreakable bond with its crucified and risen Lord.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 3:12

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

John 13:16

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

Matthew 10:24

The disciple is not above [his] master, nor the servant above his lord.

Ezekiel 3:7

But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel [are] impudent and hardhearted.

1 Corinthians 4:12

And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

2 Corinthians 4:9

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Acts 4:27

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,